Thursday 31 December 2009

Thursday 24 December 2009

The Last weeks planning applications

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet08 Dec 200922 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0663
3 THANET ROAD MARGATE CT91UA
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0897
93 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119RH
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0988
3 ROMILLY GARDENS RAMSGATE CT126TZ
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0997
37 NELSON PLACE BROADSTAIRS CT101HQ
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/1000
19 HAWLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT91PQ
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/1007
KWIK-FIT, 2 WEST CLIFF ROAD RAMSGATE CT119JW
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/1012
14 WEALDHURST PARK ST. PETERS BROADSTAIRS CT102LD
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/1013
31 YORK STREET BROADSTAIRS CT101PB
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/1014
23 WALDRON ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101TB
current
22 Dec 2009
L/TH/09/0994
19 HAWLEY SQUARE MARGATE CT91PQ
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0775
17 PENSHURST ROAD RAMSGATE CT118EG
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0941
85 ALBION ROAD BROADSTAIRS
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0948
40 STREETE COURT ROAD WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88BX
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0958
79 GEORGE HILL ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT103JR
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0965
THANET EARTH SEAMARK ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT70JL
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0974
LAND REAR OF 153 HIGH STREET RAMSGATE CT119TY
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0975
99 SANDWICH ROAD CLIFFSEND RAMSGATE CT125JA
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0982
68 SWEYN ROAD MARGATE CT92DD
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0983
37-39 EDGAR ROAD MARGATE CT92EQ
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0991
60 WESTGATE BAY AVENUE WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88SN
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/1006
2A HOLLY LANE MARGATE CT93NA
current
22 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/1011
10 ROSEDALE ROAD MARGATE CT92TD
current

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

24/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 18 2009 11:00AM, East Kent Joint Arrangements Committee

23/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 16 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

23/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 23 2009 9:00AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Shared Services Vehicle

22/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 11 2009 9:00AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Shared Services Vehicle

22/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 4 2009 10:00AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Waste & Recycling

21/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 15 2009 10:00AM, Licensing Sub Commitee

18/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 14 2009 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee
18/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 18 2009 11:00AM, East Kent Joint Arrangements Committee

Air Quality Management Area

Residents in High Street St. Lawrence, Ramsgate are being asked for their views on plans to declare an Air Quality Management Area in a bid to tackle air pollution.

Nitrogen dioxide levels in a small area of St. Lawrence High Street, likely to exceed national guidelines, mainly due to the amount of traffic in the area. The failure was discovered during routine checks by the council’s Environmental Health team, whose job includes monitoring air quality.

This poor air quality will not affect people who travel through this area, but for those who live or work in the affected area, if they suffer from asthma or lung problems, then the pollution could make the existing health problems worse.

As a first step to addressing this problem, the council has to declare an Air Quality Management Area and will then work with Kent County Council Highways and partners to draw up an action plan to improve the situation, with residents also helping to decide on the exact coverage of the Air Quality Management Area. The action plan, which will be a detailed, technical document is likely to take around 18 months to draw up and will help to inform planning policy in the future.

Letters have been sent to around 50 properties in the affected area, explaining this and asking for residents’ feedback.

Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Having identified this as a potential issue, the council needs to take action to try and improve the air quality in St. Lawrence High Street. To do that, we want to get the views of local people as to what they think would work in the area. It’s important to stress that these results pose no danger for those who travel through the area every day. Driving, walking or cycling in the area is perfectly safe, with the only possible concern for residents or workers in the area who have existing health problems, such as asthma or lung problems.”

Once the council has received local people’s views, the issue will be considered by the council’s Cabinet early in 2010.

One Air Quality Management Area already exists in Thanet, around the Square in Birchington. For up to date information on air quality for Thanet, please visit www.kentair.org.uk

HELPING TO GET THANET MORE ACTIVE

A new plan, that aims to get more people in Thanet active in both sport and recreation, has been approved. The new Sport and Active Recreation Strategy and Sports Facilities Improvement Plan aims to encourage people to develop healthy lifestyles, increase opportunities for getting involved with sport, improve sports facilities in Thanet and raise the profile of sport and active recreation.

Less than a fifth of people in Thanet take part in at least three 30 minute moderate activity sessions each week, much lower than the national, regional and Kent averages. The new strategy is aiming to get the message out to local people about the importance of sport and the many benefits of getting active.

Figures also show that only 58.7% of Thanet residents are satisfied with sports facilities locally, whereas the figure nationally is 69.5%. As a result, work has been done with Sport England on a new Sports Facilities Improvement Plan. It looks at the current and future levels required of 12 different types of sports facilities in the area, including athletics tracks, sports halls, multi-use games areas and golf courses. Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson,

Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “The health of local people is one of the council’s key priorities. Encouraging residents to get more involved in sport and active recreation is one way of helping to improve people’s health. To do that, we need to promote what’s available here in Thanet and ensure we have good quality facilities for people to enjoy.

The next few years will also present us with huge opportunities, particularly with the Olympics in London in 2012 and the football and rugby world cups. Our Sport Matters team already do a great job of working with local people to get them more involved in sport and this strategy will help to take that excellent work forward.”

NEW RESIDENTS PANEL FOR THANET

Thanet residents are needed, who are interested in having their say on things in the future and making a difference to council services.

Thanet District Council is now looking for residents from all walks of life to say what they think about the issues that affect them and about the local services they use to join the council’s new residents’ panel.

Community Matters, the council’s current residents’ panel, made up of around 1,000 residents, has given their views on a range of subjects over the last four years, including:
What they think of Thanet as a place to live
The major crime and anti-social behaviour issues in their neighbourhood
How much they recycle and how satisfied with they are with recycling
The state of the area’s beaches
The condition of housing in the area
How they want to be communicated with
The opportunities to get involved in helping to shape council decisions

Community Matters also helped to shape the council’s high-profile Thanet is Beautiful campaign, which aimed to promote the beauty of the area and discourage people from dropping litter.

The new panel will run for a total of four years and people will be able to get involved in issues that particularly interest them.

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Sandy Ezekiel, said: “We’re always keen to hear what our residents think and want to get them involved in the decisions that we make. If you want to have your voice heard, then joining the Community Matters panel is a great way to do that. It gives you the chance to put your views forward on a variety of issues and, in the future, you’ll also be able to get involved in the things that really matter to you. If you’re interested in what happens in your local community, then I’d urge you to join Community Matters.”

If you are interested in becoming a member of Community Matters, you can send your details via e-mail to hannah.thorpe@thanet.gov.uk or write to Hannah Thorpe, Communications, Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, CT9 1XZ.

RAMSGATE TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA

The agenda for the meeting of the Ramsgate TownCouncil to be held on Monday 4 January 2010 at 7 pm in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Albion Place, Ramsgate.This agenda is circulated early due to the council office being closed from 4 pmtoday (24 December 2009) until the day of the meeting.

Links below

RAMSGATE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF COUNCIL 4 JANUARY 2010 A G E N D A
http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/blogpicts129/id27.htm

Minutes of the Council Meeting duly convened and held in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Albion Place, Ramsgate on 2 November 2009

http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/blogpicts129/id28.htm

Minutes of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE duly convened and held in the Council Chamber, Albion House, Albion Place, Ramsgate on 11 August 2009
http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/blogpicts129/id29.htm

Monday 21 December 2009

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

18/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 14 2009 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

18/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 18 2009 11:00AM, East Kent Joint Arrangements Committee

18/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Nov 17 2009 3:00PM, Corporate Improvement &
Budget Working Party

17/12/2009 - Publication of plan: Forward Plan for period from 1 January 2010 to 1 July 2010; Cabinet

17/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 17 2009 7:00PM, Council

16/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 16 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

16/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Nov 17 2009 7:00PM, Overview and Scrutiny Panel

15/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 23 2009 9:00AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Shared Services Vehicle

15/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 15 2009 10:00AM, Licensing Sub Commitee

14/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 14 2009 4:00PM, Airport Working Party

14/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 18 2009 11:00AM, East Kent Joint Arrangements Committee

14/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 14 2009 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

Last weeks planning applications,

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet08 Dec 2009

14 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0494
1 KING EDWARD AVENUE BROADSTAIRS CT101PH
current
14 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0519
3 IVAN VilLAS, LORNE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 OBZ
current
14 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0589
336C MARGATE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT12 5SQ
current
14 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0931
125 BRADSTOW WAY BROADSTAIRS CT101AP
current
14 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0987
1 COLBURN ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101SE
current
14 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/1002
107 LONDON ROAD RAMSGATE CT110DR
current

Roger Gale's Office Closure

Please note that due to very urgent electrical work to be carried out on our offices in Birchington, it is necessary to close the office down completely for the Christmas/New Year period - FROM CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON FRIDAY, 18 DECEMBER. We will re-open on Monday, 4th January.


Therefore if you need to get in touch with us this needs to be by:

Letter: Roger Gale MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

Pager: 07623 978479 - 24hr throughout the period

Tel: 01843 848588 - we are arranging for all telephone
calls to be diverted from 18.12.09.

Email: galerj@parliament.uk

Suzy: 07774 841557

Roger and I will, therefore, be working from our office at home
from Saturday, 19th December until Monday 4 January, 2010.

We shall be doing the annual round of Christmas Visits on most
days before Christmas but the post and emails will be checked
on a daily basis.

I am sorry for this inconvenience. The post will be checked every day and we will make every effort to ensure that the work is all
kept fully up to date despite the difficulties we face! Also, that any constituents in urgent need can contact Roger over the Christmas/
New Year period.

All emails will need to go to Roger, and we would request, please, that you keep these to a minimum over this period.


Many thanks and our very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

ROGER & SUZY

Friday 18 December 2009

GRAFFITI’S GOING DOWN

Partnership work to reduce graffiti is working in Thanet with the number of incidents reported down by 13%.

Covert operations, educational workshops, using a graffiti database, street art projects and a rapid removal service have all helped reduce the number of graffiti incidents reported to Thanet Community Safety Partnership between April and November 2009, compared to 2008.

The successful use of a graffiti database has helped police link the culprit to the graffiti and is vital in providing crucial evidence for police prosecutions.

Workshops with students from King Ethelbert’s Secondary School, Birchington as part of their citizenship GCSE coursework, saw local teenagers surveying their peers on perceptions around graffiti and creating a mural to showcase their views.

Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr Zita Wiltshire, said: ”Graffiti can really blight people’s lives, making them feel unsafe and streets look uncared for. We really are pleased that by working together the Thanet Community Safety Partnership has helped reduce the number of graffiti incidents across Thanet and through police patrols, CCTV and a dedicated reporting line, we will continue to see graffiti reduce in the future. To make sure we tackle the criminals behind the graffiti, we still need local people to report any incidents of graffiti on their property or in their street to us, as we can only prosecute if a report has been made.”
To report an incident of graffiti or vandalism in confidence, call 01843 577743 or email communitysafety@thanet.gov.uk To find out more about the Thanet Community Safety Partnership visit http://www.thanetcommunitysafety.org.uk/

CORE STRATEGY CONSULTATION EXTENDED

Thanet residents now have until Monday 18 January to submit their views on the draft Core Strategy, giving those who haven’t had a chance to give their opinions extra time to do so.

This extension of this consultation, which began on 13 October, has been granted following the suggestion from a number of consultees and recognises the importance of this major new planning document that sets out how Thanet will change and develop until the year 2026.

To have your say you can pick up a full copy of the Core Strategy, or a summary version, from Thanet’s Gateway Plus and at libraries across the area. It can also be viewed online at www.thanet.gov.uk.
Comments can be made on the document by registering online at www.consult.thanet.gov.uk
All comments must be made in writing and will be open to public inspection so they cannot be treated as confidential.

The Core Strategy sets out a vision, which is for people to recognise Thanet as a desirable place to live and work, and that the whole community is more settled, healthier, better educated, fulfilled, confident, and able to access a full range and quality of services, homes, jobs and training. The document sets out a number of targets for the area which cover housing, economy and employment, Westwood and the coastal towns.

The document also sets out the importance of good design, sustainable development and protecting the green wedges between the towns and the coast and countryside.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Sandy Ezekiel, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has already taken the time to get involved in this consultation. The Core Strategy is a vital document for Thanet and I’m grateful for the many valuable comments and suggestions that local people have provided so far. I’m really pleased that we have been able to extend this consultation to ensure that even more people can contribute. A great deal of work has already gone into developing the draft version of the Core Strategy and it’s very much the result of feedback that we’ve had from local people and organisations. I now hope that even more people will take this opportunity to read through the document and give us their views on what it says.”

MP for South Thanet becomes member of local ambulance Trust

South Thanet MP Stephen Ladyman is supporting South East Coast Ambulance Service’s (SECAmb) plans to give local people more involvement in how their ambulance services are developed by becoming a public member of the Trust.

SECAmb recently consulted on its proposals to become a foundation trust and nearly 2500 people have signed up as members so far.

Dr Ladyman said, “Membership is a great way for the people of South Thanet and beyond to get involved with their local ambulance service and to make sure they have their say in how their service develops in the future.

“I feel that foundation trust status for SECAmb would bring real benefits to both patients and staff across our region and I would encourage anyone with an interest in our ambulance service to become a member and show their support”.

NHS foundation trusts are still part of the NHS, still provide free care for patients, have to meet national government targets and are regularly assessed and inspected. However, they have greater freedom from central government control and are able to act swiftly on the views of their members and an elected Council of Governors.

Local people, patients and staff can all become foundation trust members, and can be members of any or all of the foundation trust in their area, eg hospital, mental health and ambulance service foundation trusts.

For further information or to sign up as a member online visit www.secamb.nhs.uk or call 01273 897840

Thanet restaurants top awards ceremony

No fewer than ten Thanet restaurants have been named as finalists in the Kent Restaurant Awards 2009.

Kent Restaurant Awards in association with OrderOnlineNow.co.uk – the Kent-based online restaurant booking and takeaway ordering system – has announced the finalists for the awards ceremony being held in January.

Ramsgate has six venues in the finals: Age & Sons, Bon Appetit, Harvey’s Fish Market & Oyster Bar, La Magnolia, Portobello and Surin,

From Broadstairs there will be Oscar Road and Osteria Posillipo.

Margate is represented by No.6 Brasserie and Birchington has Minnis Bar.

Public online voting to www.KentRestaurantAwards saw more than 300 Kent restaurants nominated and over 6,000 votes cast.

The Awards have now moved on the judging phases where a panel of respected independent food critics and journalists are visiting each of the finalists and evaluate restaurants according to certain criteria.

Marks out of a 100 will be awarded according to quality of the cooking (up to 50), service (20), ambience (10), use of local produce (10) and support of sustainable farming practices (10).

Commenting on the proliferation of finalists drawn from Thanet, Event Director George Shaw said; “The preponderance on finalists being drawn from the isle augers well for the area’s gastro tourism.

“A number recent of high profile openings is certainly putting Thanet on the foodie map,” he said.

The winners will be honoured at a glittering black tie dinner being held at Ashford International Hotel on Thursday 28th January. Tickets available from 01892 759851 or online at www.KentRestaurantAwards.co.uk.

Ramsgate’s Eddie Gilbert’s fishmongers, whose new upstairs gourmet fish restaurant opened after voting has closed, is to sponsor the “Best Seafood Restaurant” category.

The Royal British Legion – Poppy Support

Stephen Ladyman MP pledges to ‘do his bit’ for British Armed Forces

South Thanet MP Stephen Ladyman has pledged to ‘do his bit’ for the British Armed Forces family.

Stephen Ladyman, who until recently was President of the Margate branch of the Royal British Legion, made his pledge on Legion’s campaign website, www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk.

The website also features the charity’s general election manifesto, which sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for Service personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.

Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, said;

‘We’re really grateful to Stephen for pledging to do his bit. The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties, and our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help. We hope all the parties will give it serious consideration and that every MP will pledge to do their bit’.

Steve added;

‘I was delighted to support The Royal British Legion’s campaign. The Legion plays an important role in highlighting the needs of our entire armed Forces family and I would encourage everyone to visit the website – www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk – to find out how to get involved’.

Thursday 17 December 2009

COMMUNITY SPORTS LEADERSHIP SUCCESS

Ten young people from Thanet are on course to pass Sport 4 NRG's first Community Sports Leadership Award.

After completing the 40 hours of practical learning provided by James Gregory & Colin Rouse, part of the council’s Sport Matters team, the group then went on to pass their Emergency First Aid training. They now need to complete 10 hours of volunteering in the community to receive their qualification.

This will help them get back on track for further education or future employment. Sport 4 NRG will help them find a future training or education placement through their local contacts.

James Gregory from Sport 4 NRG said: "To see these lads grow in confidence over the course of this qualification has been great to see. A lot of young people these days have barriers to succeeding academically. If a young person struggles to cope in a classroom environment, they are written off too easily. Learning in the classroom is not for everyone. Instead, we give them the opportunity to learn in an environment they are comfortable with, such as a sports hall, and in return, we get the rewards of seeing them thrive, and turning into great sports leaders. The improvement in both their leadership skills and confidence over the last few weeks has been obvious to everyone who’s been involved with this programme.”

If you can offer these motivated individuals either further sports related training or employment, please contact James on 01843 577728 or e-mail james.gregory@thanet.gov.uk

COUNCIL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS

Details of Thanet District Council’s opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period have been announced.

Thanet’s Gateway Plus in Cecil Street, Margate will close at 4pm on Thursday 24 December and will re-open on Tuesday 29 December, when it will be open from 9am to 6pm. It will also be open from 9am to 6pm on Wednesday 30 December.

On Thursday 31 December, the Gateway will be open from 9am to 4pm only. It will then close for the New Year holiday, re-opening on Saturday 2 January 2010 between 9am and 5pm and from Monday 4 January 2010 from 9am to 6pm.


The council offices and telephone switchboard will close at 4pm on Thursday 24 December and will re-open at 8.45am on Monday 4 January 2010. During this time, if you have an emergency, please call 01843 292442 for the out of hours emergency service.

The Ramsgate District Office will close at 12.30pm on Thurssday 24 December and will re-open at 8.45am on Monday 4 January 2010.

The crem

ENDS

Tuesday 15 December 2009

COUNCIL MEETINGS TO BE WEBCAST

A new pilot scheme will allow local people to watch the next full Council meeting online from the comfort of their own home.

The meeting on Thursday 17 December will be filmed and then webcast. It will be available to watch on the council’s website at http://www.thanet.gov.uk/ from Monday 21 December until Friday 8 January 2010.

There will be a link through to the video from the front page of the website. To view the video, you will need Adobe Flash Player 10, which can be downloaded for free.

The meeting is set to discuss the council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy and Sports Facilities Improvement Plan and there will be updates from the Chief Executive and Cabinet on their work over the past couple of months. A petition is also due to be presented to the Council, regarding the sale of Albion House, although there will only be a presentation on this from one of the petitioners and no further debate. The newest member of the council, Cllr. Mrs. Sandra Hart, who was elected in the recent Dane Valley by-election, will also sign her declaration of acceptance of office at the meeting.

The idea originally came through the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel and followed feedback from the council meeting in October 2008, which discussed the “China Gateway” planning application. Locally, Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council already webcast their council meetings.

Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: “The council is constantly looking at how we can use new technology to improve the service that we offer to our customers. We’re aware that the decisions we make impact on local people’s lives and we want to give them the opportunity to see how we make those decisions, without them having to come to the council chamber and attend the meetings. We’ve looked into this and research shows that people prefer “on demand” services, where they can watch meetings whenever they want to, rather than being tied to viewing it as it happens. That’s why we’ve decided to go with the “on demand” as our trial, with meetings available for a certain period of time after they are held. Members’ are keen for this to have no impact on the council’s budget so we will monitor any costs associated to the project. ”

Following the December meeting, the Budget Council meeting on Thursday 25 February 2010 and Full Council on Thursday 22 April 2010 will also be webcast.

Ed. nice to see they got there in the end http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/blogpicts2/id74.htm

Brazier and Sandys 'hopelessly confused' says Ladyman

MP calls Julian Brazier and Laura Sandys 'hopeless confused' over air sea rescue claims.


Claims, made in the local press and in a letter to the Shipping Minister that the English Channel emergency service is at risk from the scrapping of Air Sea Rescue aircraft at Manston are complete nonsense says South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman.

The claims were made by Julian Brazier, the Canterbury MP and Tory shadow shipping minister, after he was approached by Laura Sandys, the Tory candidate for South Thanet. He wrote to the shipping minister saying “I have been contacted by Laura Sandys the PPC for South Thanet as both a Kent MP and Shadow Minister for Shipping regarding the scrapping of Air Sea Rescue from Manston. I share Laura’'s concern and know that it will be echoed by a great many residents."

Stephen Ladyman said: "Mr Brazier and Ms Sandys are hopelessly confused. This is Tory scaremongering at its worst. The Air Sea Rescue helicopters have not been based at Manston for many years, they are at RAF Wattisham and have been for a long time.

There is a fixed wing aircraft based at the flying school at Manston that is used to monitor the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea. It takes pictures of ships using the channel which can be used in the prosecution of unsafe captains. It is to be replaced by a faster aircraft based at the owning company's HQ in Coventry but it is not involved in rescue work, which is done by helicopters.

Claims by Mr Brazier and Ms Sandys that the aircraft has an emergency rescue role are bogus. It can, in unusual circumstances, be called on to see if the crew can spot someone missing at sea but it is not in its protocol to do this and it has never 'thrown' a life raft to someone in trouble as has been claimed as to do so would be the equivalent of having a missile thrown at you at 150mph.

A simple telephone call to the Maritime Coastguard Agency would have told the Tories that the proposals have no impact on safety at sea or local rescue capacity whatsoever. Instead they chose to frighten people because an election is coming.

Of course, this is not the first time Ms Sandys has got transport policies confused. A couple of years ago she was telling people in local villages that the Government had plans to allow 60 tonne lorries on the roads. In fact, it was the Tory transport spokesman at the time who had proposed the idea and the Labour Government that had blocked it."

Sunday 13 December 2009

RAMSGATE 2026 It is up to you !!!

From The Ramsgate Society.The finished response document to "Shaping our Future" is now on the Ramsgate Society Website. http://www.ramsgate-society.org.uk/

Please read the document - you will see our response has amended the original, in favour of Ramsgate.

There is a file of response forms which have been prepared and checked by a Town Planning Consultant.

If you want a better deal for Ramsgate download "this file"(on the website) and send it with your name and address to local.plans@thanet.gov.uk .

If you agree strongly that RAMSGATE NEEDS RENOVATION send this e-mail to TWO friends or more. We need your help !!!!

Update:

There has been some confusion about making an expert RESPONSE.
The Ramsgate Society -FOUR easy steps to making an expert RESPONSE (coloured names are active links) 1. Read and understand the Ramsgate Society Response Document. 2. Download expert Response Forms prepared by a Town Planning Consultant (Part 2 -forms already completed) 3. Attach the download files to an e-mail showing your full name and address.
(replaces Part 1)
4. Send to local.plans@thanet.gov.uk -RAMSGATE 2026 It is up to you !!!

Saturday 12 December 2009

Ramsgate Cliff Face

Work is to be carried out by the council to part of the cliff façade along Ramsgate seafront.

The council has carried out investigations into the condition of one of the smaller blockwork facing panels at the former Pleasurama site, which have revealed that the panel needs to be rebuilt.

This facing panel does not form part of the structure which supports the façade. The repair is necessary because of a localised issue behind the panel. There is no evidence to suggest that there is any work required to the rest of the cliff facade. Investigations have not given any cause for concern with the stability of the structure, which is built in front of the cliff face.

The repair work will consist of demolishing the blockwork facing panel, which dates back to the 1930s, and rebuilding with blockwork containing an infill of reinforced concrete. The void behind the new blockwork panel will be filled to further protect the chalk cliff face. A drainage system will also be installed to stop any ground water from being trapped behind the new panel. Considerable drainage work has already been carried out on the cliff top above, so that water is diverted away from the cliff façade to minimise any potential damage this may otherwise cause.

Only approximately 40 metres of the 210 metre site uses the same blockwork design that dates from the late 1930s. There is no evidence of any defects of a similar nature in any of the remaining blockwork panels of the same era. These panels along with the rest of the cliff façade will continue to receive inspections at regular intervals in the future.

Under the plans agreed for the site, a four metre gap has been left at the back of the site to allow access to carry out repair work, should any be needed in the future.

Cllr. John Kirby, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Ramsgate Marina, said: “I’d like to reassure people that there is nothing to indicate that there is any imminent danger and we have no reason to believe this is anything more significant than a localised repair. I am aware that concerns have been voiced about the state of the cliff façade in this area and that’s why the council carried out these extra checks on top of our usual programme of inspection. However, with the discovery we’ve made, there’s no cause for concern. It’s not an indication of a more serious problem and we will deal with it, exactly as we did in the late 1990s when new cliff facing panels were required after the demolition of the old Pleasurama building.”

The repair work is due to begin in the new year.

OFFICE CLOSURE (please note dates) + CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR VISITS 2009/10

Xmas Visits 2009. Short Timetable 12 December 2009


PROGRAMME OF


CHRISTMAS VISITS

December, 2009.



ROGER GALE M.P.







SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER, 2009:





11.45 a.m. MARGATE LIFEBOAT CREW

Lifeboat House, Harbour, CT9 1HG





THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER





11.00 a.m. STRODE PARK FOUNDATION, Herne, CT6 7NE

Also visit the COACH HOUSE





FRIDAY 18 DECEMBER



7.00 a.m. HERNE BAY SORTING OFFICE

Eddington Business Park, CT6 5AA



Breakfast: Jim/Joy Nock



9.00 a.m. HERNE BAY POLICE STATION, Gordon Rd., CT6 5QX



10.15 a.m. DONNITHORNE HOUSE, Brunswick Square, CT6 5QS



11.00 a.m. KING EDWARD COURT , King Edward Ave.



11.30 a.m. THE MIRAMAR, Reculver Rd. CT6 6PX



12.00 p.m. ELLIOTT HOUSE – 22 Reculver Road, CT6 6LD



12.30 p.m. Lunch with Gabrielle



2.00 p.m. QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, CT6 6EB












SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER




7.00 a.m. MARGATE SORTING OFFICE - CT9 1NQ



10.00 a.m. THE CLAREMONT, Lower Northdown Ave., Cliftonville, CT9 2NT



10.30 a.m. GROSVENOR COURT, 1/5 First Avenue, Cliftonville, CT9 2LF



11.00 a.m. ROSELAWN, 2 Eaton Road, Margate, CT9 1XE



11.45 a.m. MARBLESIDE CARE, 23 Eaton Road, CT9 1XB



2.30 p.m. QUEX COURT, Powell Cotton Drive, Birchington, CT7 0EZ



3.00 p.m. approx TAPLIN COURT, Alpha Rd., Birchington, CT7 9DH









MONDAY 21 DECEMBER





10.30 a.m. HOMEBIRCH HOUSE - Grenham Rd., Birchington, CT7 9EL



11.15 a.m. MINNIS DAY CENTRE



12.00 noon HOMEFERN HOUSE, Cobbs Place CT9 1JE - Manager: June Baldwin



1.45 p.m. GRENHAM BAY COURT, Cliff Rd., Birchington, CT7 9JX



2.15 p.m. SHOTTENDANE NURSING HOME - Shottendane Rd



3.00 p.m. Carols + Lessons at QEQM Hospital - Rev Christopher White.









TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER



9.30 a.m. MARGATE POLICE, CT9 1HL



10.30 a.m. SHEEN COURT, Mill Lane, Margate, CT9 1JU



11.15 a.m. ASHCROFT HOUSE, Fairview Close, Cliftonville, CT9 2QE



2.00 p.m. YOAKLEY HOUSE/DRAPERS HOMES, Margate



Afternoon: QEQM Children’s Christmas Party







WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER

10.00 a.m. TELFORD COURT, Collins Rd. Greenhill, CT6 7SR



10.45 a.m. ST PETERS CONVENT, 15 St Georges Terrace, Herne Bay



11.30 a.m. ST BENEDICTS, 22 St Georges Terr. H. Bay





THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS EVE


Carols Service at QEQM - ??



11.00 p.m. Midnight Mass – Christchurch, Herne Bay









FRIDAY 25 DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS DAY


10.30 a.m. Morning Service: St John’s, Margate + Tommy



1.00 p.m. Lunch – at S.F.H.













NEW YEAR VISITS:





FRIDAY 8 JANUARY, 2010:



10.00 a.m. CRAVEN COURT - Garlinge, CT9 5NW (292517)





FRIDAY 15 JANUARY, 2010:



10.00 a.m. COUNTESS MOUNTBATTEN COURT, Westgate, CT8 8NQ



11.00 a.m. BIERCE COURT, Lyell Rd., Birchington, CT7 9EJ

















Visits to be arranged and slotted into Programme:



SEAVIEW HOUSE, 4 Canterbury Rd., Herne Bay, CT6 5HP

Jacqui Reynolds – Jacqui.Reynolds@canterbury.gov.uk also runs THORNHURST



ST CLEMENTS COURT, Canterbury Rd., (Ann Taylor/Joanna Snowball)



ORCHARD HOUSE, Underdown Lane, Herne Bay, CT6 5UD



ALEXANDRA HOMES – Tivoli Road, CT9 5SG



CALL IN AT SCRINE CHRISTMAS CENTRE - IF OPEN ??











OFFICE CLOSURE: Christmas & New Year – 2009/10





Please note that our office will close for CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR due to urgent electrical work to be done on our offices on Saturday, 19 December and will re-open again on Monday, 4 January.



During this period of closure constituents should page Roger on 07623 978479 in emergencies - and to arrange advice surgery appointments. Roger or Suzy can be reached at ANY time on this number throughout the holiday period.



We will be working from home during the enforced period of office closure. The telephone line will be diverted.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Details of this year's Christmas and New Year changes to waste and recycling collections have been announced by Thanet District Council.








The focus this year, particularly for those on the wheeled bin collection, is on waste collections, in response to feedback from local people in previous years. The details of the waste and recycling collections during the Christmas and New Year period in Thanet are as follows:







If your usual day of collection is.

Black sack collection

If you would normally have your BLUE bin collected this week.

If you would normally have your BLACK bin collected this week.



Monday 21 December

No change - Normal collections

BLACK bin collected today

No change - Normal collections



Tuesday 22 December

No change - Normal collections

BLACK bin collected today

No change - Normal collections



Wednesday 23 December

No change - Normal collections

BLACK bin collected today

No change - Normal collections



Thursday 24 December



(Christmas Eve)

No change - Normal collections

BLACK bin collected today

No change - Normal collections



Friday 25 December (Christmas Day)

Will be collected on Tuesday 29 December

BLACK bin will be collected on Tuesday 29 December

BLACK bin will be collected on Tuesday 29 December



Monday 28 December

NO COLLECTIONS

NO COLLECTIONS

NO COLLECTIONS



Tuesday 29 December

NO COLLECTIONS



(Except for homes who were due to have their black sacks collected on Christmas Day)

NO COLLECTIONS



(Except for homes due to have their



wheeled bin collected on Christmas Day)

NO COLLECTIONS



(Except for homes due to have their



wheeled bin collected on Christmas Day)



Wednesday 30 December

NO COLLECTIONS

NO COLLECTIONS

NO COLLECTIONS



Thursday 31 December (New Year's Eve)

NO COLLECTIONS

NO COLLECTIONS

NO COLLECTIONS



Friday 1 January



(New Year's Day)

NO COLLECTIONS

NO COLLECTIONS

NO COLLECTIONS



Monday 4 January

No change - Normal collections

BLACK bin collected today

No change - Normal collections



Tuesday 5 January

No change - Normal collections

BLACK bin collected today

No change - Normal collections



Wednesday 6 January

No change - Normal collections

BLACK bin collected today

No change - Normal collections



Thursday 7 January

No change - Normal collections

BLACK bin collected today

No change - Normal collections



Friday 8 January

No change - Normal collections

BLACK bin collected today

No change - Normal collections









From Monday 11 January, all collections will return to normal. All waste should be out at the front of your property by 6am on your collection day.







Bottles, paper, tins and cans can also be taken to the recycling banks across Thanet in local car parks and at supermarkets and the Kent County Council recycling sites at Manston Road, Margate and Ramsgate Road, Richborough. These sites are open every day over Christmas, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. They are open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4.30pm and on Sundays between 9am and 4pm.







Properties that receive a fortnightly paper and cardboard collection will not have this service from Thursday 24 December 2009 until 3 January 2010. Normal collections will resume from Monday 4 January 2010.







The green waste collection service will be suspended for a three week period from Friday 25 December to Friday 15 January. From Monday 18 January, green waste collections will return to normal.







For homes on the wheeled bin scheme, excess household waste securely contained in standard black sacks will be collected as side waste with your black bin for two weeks only from Monday 4 to Friday 15 January. Excess recycling in clear plastic sacks or shopping carrier bags will also be collected alongside your blue bin during this period. Please do not use black sacks or cardboard boxes for your recycling material.







Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: "It's always a challenge to arrange the waste and recycling collections over the Christmas and New Year period, and of course, we understand that this will not please all of our residents but we do hope that over the festive period you will all accept that our hard working refuse crews, who work in all weather on every other Bank Holiday throughout the year are able to enjoy a Christmas break with their families . This year, we've been able to give them a long Christmas weekend, and another period around New Year. which most people take for granted so please do bear with us during these times.







"As a result of this, we are aware that this may mean no collections for the best part of a week for most people. Taking on board feedback we've had in previous years from our residents, what we've tried to do this year is prioritise waste collections, particularly for those on the wheeled bin collection. It does mean that some people will be going a little longer without a recycling collection, but there are alternatives available, including the recycling banks dotted across the whole of Thanet and the recycling sites at Richborough and Manston Road, which are open over much of Christmas."







For more information, call 01843 577115

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

11/12/2009 - Agenda supplement published - Supplementary Agenda : Supplementary Agenda: Meeting of Dec 14 2009 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee
11/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 11 2009 9:00AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Shared Services Vehicle
10/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Nov 17 2009 5:00PM, Asset Management Working Group
09/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 8 2009 6:30PM, Governance and Audit Committee
09/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 17 2009 7:00PM, Council
09/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 9 2009 8:30AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Housing Landlord Service
08/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 8 2009 6:30PM, Governance and Audit Committee
07/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 16 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee
07/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 15 2009 10:00AM, Licensing Sub Commitee
07/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 1 2009 10:30AM, Licensing Sub Commitee
07/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 1 2009 10:00AM, Licensing Board
07/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 14 2009 4:00PM, Airport Working Party
07/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 2 2009 7:00PM, Cabinet
07/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 14 2009 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

Last weeks planning applications,

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet08 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0845
103 NEWINGTON ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT12 6PT
current
08 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0861
58 PARK ROAD, RAMSGATE
current
08 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0908
36 CHATHAM STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 7PR
current
08 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0942
34 HIGH STREET, MARGATE, CT91DS
current
08 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0964
75 RANCORN ROAD MARGATE CT95DQ
current
08 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0979
34 HIGH STREET, MARGATE, CT91DS
current
08 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0980
58 ROYAL ESPLANADE MARGATE CT95ET
current
08 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0986
30 WESTFIELD ROAD BIRCHINGTON CT79RW
current
07 Dec 2009
A/TH/09/0971
SAGA, EUROKENT BUSINESS PARK, HAINE ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT125EA
current
07 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0496
7 ZION PLACE MARGATE CT91RP
current
07 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0766
42 STATION ROAD, BIRCHINGTON, CT7 9DQ
current
07 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0968
26A PEGWELLAVENUE, RAMSGATE, CT11 ONL
current
07 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0969
11 ST. ANDREWS ROAD RAMSGATE CT117EQ
current
07 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0977
BAR 26,26 MARINE TERRACE, MARGATE, CT9 1XJ
current
07 Dec 2009
L/TH/09/0883
REGENCY COURT FLAT 3 SAINT AUGUSTINES RAMSGATE CT119PN
current
07 Dec 2009
TEST06DEC2009
178B HIGH STREET MARGATE CT91JZ
current

Wednesday 9 December 2009

NEW REPORT ON THANET'S PUBLIC SERVICES

Tackling issues that local people recognise as priorities, doing the right things to make residents feel safer and making good progress in making the area a better one in which to live are just some of the comments in a new national report about Thanet District Council.

The report, by the Audit Commission, is part of the new Comprehensive Area Assessment, which has two strands to it, firstly an organisation assessment, that looks at how every council in the country is performing and secondly looking at an entire area. Locally, the area assessment covers Kent and looks at what all public sector bodies in an area can achieve together.

The organisation assessment grades the council as performing adequately, commenting that the council's plans to spend money are well linked to what is important to local people. It also highlights that "councillors and staff work well together, and the council has saved money and used it to improve services."

The council is seen as having some success in tackling the causes of deprivation and is making good progress to create a greener Thanet. However, it points out that only one in five people believe the police and other local public services are successfully dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour and that a high amount of money is being spent on cleaning the streets, which has not led to improved satisfaction with this.

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Sandy Ezekiel, said: "The Audit Commission have said themselves that this is a much tougher inspection regime than previously. It focuses on outcomes and we've been able to demonstrate a lot of outcomes, particularly in terms of putting resources where local people want to see their money being spent. When residents ask us to prioritise things, we listen and act and do exactly that. It's also encouraging that the report picks out the fact that we are making good progress in making the area a better one in which to live. Of course, there are things where we need to focus our attention and we'll continue to do that, as we strive to further improve the services the council offers to its residents."

In the Kent wide area assessment, the county has been given two green flags, which signify major achievements and innovations. The first has been given for the series of Gateways across Kent, of which Thanet's Gateway Plus, which opened in January 2008, was one of the first and remains a flagship for the county. The other green flag is awarded to improving skills to match Kent's growing economy.

Mention is made in the area assessment of Cliftonville West and Margate Central, with praise for public services, who are described as having "a good understanding of the complex issues affecting the area", with successes including a reduction in crime, improvements to Dane Park and local play areas, cleaner streets and improvements to local properties, some with the help of Renewal Area Grants from the council.

As part of the new assessments, a new website has been created http://oneplace.direct.gov.uk/infobyarea/region/area/localorganisations/organisation/pages/default.aspx?region=57&area=366&orgId=1315 where local people can see how all their public services are performing in Thanet.

Tuesday 8 December 2009

WELCOME FOR FREE PARKING SCHEME

A new scheme, introducing free parking on Saturday afternoons running up to Christmas in Birchington, Broadstairs, Margate, Northdown Road in Cliftonville and Ramsgate has been welcomed by traders.

The free parking initiative is part of Shop Local First, a scheme developed by the council, working with local traders, to help support shops during the recession. Over 100 businesses in the five pilot areas have signed up and are now offering a range of discounts and offers to local people when they use their Shop Local First Incentive Card. More than 15,000 cards have been distributed since the scheme's launch in early November.

Two hours free parking is being offered after 12pm at all on-street parking sites on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas. The final two dates are Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 December.

People can only take advantage of the free parking if they clearly display a free parking voucher, which is being advertised in all Thanet's local newspapers and on the council's website at www.thanet.gov.uk. Vouchers can also be collected from all the businesses taking part in Shop Local First scheme.

Feedback from local businesses following the first Saturday of the scheme has been very positive, with shops reporting that they had new customers as a result of the free parking vouchers.

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Sandy Ezekiel, said: "As far as I'm aware, we're the only council in Kent to do this in the run-up to Christmas. It's been good to have such positive feedback from local traders on the first week of the free parking. Once we have all the results back, we will look at whether to do this again next Christmas.
"Hopefully, over the next couple of weekends, even more people will start to take advantage of the free parking and will support their local high street by ensuring that they Shop Local First. With the incentive card, there are literally hundreds of reasons now to visit your local shops and, with Christmas fast approaching, there's no better time to find out what your local town or village has to offer."

The offer applies only to the following on-street parking areas:

Birchington
Crescent Road
Station Road
Broadstairs
Belvedere Road
Charlotte Street
Charlton Avenue
Dundonald Road
High Street
Lawn Road
Lloyd Road
Vere Road
Victoria Parade
York Street
Margate
Albert Terrace
Cecil Street
Churchfields Place
Hawley Square
High Street
Marine Drive
Mill Lane
Union Crescent

Northdown Road, Cliftonville
Northdown Road

Ramsgate
Albion Place
Broad Street
Brunswick Street
Cavendish Street
Harbour Parade
Hardres Street
King Street
Queen Street

The Shop Local First Incentive Card is now available from the 100 plus businesses taking part and can also be picked up from libraries and Thanet's Gateway Plus in Margate.

The scheme will initially run for a year, but if it proves to be successful, it could be extended for longer and into other parts of Thanet. Businesses taking part in Shop Local First will all display a Shop Local First sticker in their window.

To find out more about the scheme, visit the Shop Local First page on the council's website at www.thanet.gov.uk or call 01843 577000. For a full list of businesses taking part in the scheme, visit www.thanet.gov.uk/shoplocal If you are a business and want to join the Shop Local scheme, call 01843 577169.

TACKLING ILLEGAL PARKING IN MARGATE

Local drivers have felt the weight of the law over illegal parking, following complaints from local people and businesses in Margate.



Concerns were raised about the issue at meetings of the Central Margate Partners and Communities Together (PACT) Panel and from traders in Margate High Street. Driving up the High Street is illegal after 10am and before 4pm, unless you have permission.


Parking at any time in the pedestrian area of the High Street is also not permitted. If anyone is seen doing either, then they risk being issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.

As a result, Margate Neighbourhood Team Police and Civil Enforcement Officers from Thanet District Council worked together in a joint operation to target the High Street. 14 Fixed Penalty Notices of £30 each were issued by Police for driving offences and three penalty charge notices of £35 each were issued by Civil Enforcement Officers for parking offences.


Lacy Dixon from the Thanet Community Safety Partnership said: "Local people and businesses wanted action taken on this issue and that's exactly what we've done. Hopefully, following this crackdown and, with increased publicity about the issue, drivers will be deterred from driving up the High Street between 10am and 4pm or parking at any time."

Monday 7 December 2009

Last weeks planning applications,

Ed. The TDC planning website is one of the most bizarre websites I have ever come across in as much as the web addresses of the pages on it change after a few hours so you can’t publish links to them. If you want to look at any of the applications you need to go to the site and enter the application reference in the search box, this link takes you to the site http://www.ukplanning.com/thanet


04 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0909
54 ROYAL ESPLANADE RAMSGATE CT110HH
current
04 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0927
59 GRANGE ROAD RAMSGATE CT119LR
current
04 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0956
18-20 ATHELSTAN ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 2BA
current
04 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0959
14 ST. DAVIDS ROAD RAMSGATE CT117EP
current
04 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0970
40-46 SWEYN ROAD CLIFTONVILLE MARGATE CT92DF
current
04 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0973
16 NORTH FORELAND ROAD, BROADSTAIRS, CT10 3NN
current
02 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0902
FOXBOROUGH HOUSE FOXBOROUGH LANE MINSTER RAMSGATE CT124AH
current
01 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0791
HIGHRIDGE FARM QUEENSDOWN ROAD WOODCHURCH BIRCHINGTON CT70HG
current
01 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0957
FOXGLOVE HOUSE DILNOT LANE ACOL BIRCHINGTON CT70HW
current
01 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0378
ST ETHELBERT CATHOLIC CHURCH, HERESON ROAD, RAMSGATE, CT11 7DS
current
01 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0790
62A ADDISCOMBE ROAD, MARGATE, CT9 2SU
current
01 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0866
LITTLE ASH, 2 HOLLY GARDENS, MARGATE, CT9 3NF
current
01 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0875
25 STREETE COURT WESTGATE-ON-SEA CT88BT
current
01 Dec 2009
F/TH/09/0961
LAND R/O 124 HIGH STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 9UA
current
01 Dec 2009
OL/TH/09/0734
HERESON SCHOOL RAMSGATE ROAD BROADSTAIRS CT101PJ

New documents published by Thanet District Council,

08/12/2009 - Meeting scheduled: Dec 8 2009 6:30PM, Governance and Audit Committee

07/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 14 2009 4:00PM, Airport Working Party

07/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Dec 2 2009 7:00PM, Cabinet

07/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 14 2009 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

04/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 4 2009 10:00AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Waste & Recycling

03/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 11 2009 9:00AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Shared Services Vehicle

03/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Nov 18 2009 7:00PM, Planning Committee

02/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 2 2009 7:00PM, Cabinet

02/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Nov 25 2009 10:00AM, East Kent Joint
Arrangements Committee

01/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 1 2009 6:00PM, Standards Committee

01/12/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 9 2009 8:30AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Housing Landlord Service

01/12/2009 - Minutes published: Meeting of Nov 4 2009 9:30AM, East Kent Joint Scrutiny Committee

01/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 1 2009 10:30AM, Licensing Sub Commitee

01/12/2009 - Meeting held: Dec 1 2009 10:00AM, Licensing Board

27/11/2009 - Agenda published: Meeting of Dec 4 2009 10:00AM, Corporate Improvement and Budget Working Party - Sub Group - Waste & Recycling

THANET MATTERS

Full details of this year's Christmas and New Year waste and recycling collections and the work going on to make your streets safer are including in the winter edition of the council's magazine "Thanet Matters".

Now available at local supermarkets, as well as Thanet's Gateway Plus, in a move that will save around £10,000 per year, the magazine also features full details of how your Council Tax was spent in a five page finance supplement.

There are details of which dates you can expect to have your waste and recycling collected during the Christmas and New Year period and we take an in-depth look at the work being done through the Thanet Community Safety Partnership to make your streets safer.

The issue also includes information on how you can have your say on council services, with details of the council's budget consultation and the crime and safety survey, which gives you the chance to say what the issues are in your area that need tackling.

There are also updates on the work of the council's Standards Committee, the Thanet Works programme, how to recycle more and waste less and the work underway at Hartsdown Leisure Centre.

The supermarkets that "Thanet Matters" can be collected from are Tesco Extra at Westwood, Tesco in Broadstairs and Manston, Sainsburys at Westwood, Asda in Broadstairs, Morrissons in Margate, the Co-op Birchington and Waitrose in Ramsgate. Additionally, copies can be found at Thanet's Gateway Plus, local libraries and Visitor Information Centres.
It is also available online at the council's website at www.thanet.gov.uk You can also be added to the mailing list for "Thanet Matters" by calling 01843 577034 or e-mailing press.office@thanet.gov.uk "Thanet Matters" is no longer delivered to homes door-to-door via the free newspapers.

FESTIVE FRIVOLITIES IN BROADSTAIRS

FESTIVE FRIVOLITIES & DIVERTISEMENTS

A tradition, which is fast becoming an essential part of Christmas in Thanet, is the Sarah Thorne Festive Production. This year we are pulling out all the stops and have for your delectation and delight: FESTIVE FRIVOLITIES AND DIVERTISEMENTS. This will be a chance to envelope yourself in the glory of Christmases past, with a return to the elegance and refinement of the supper club!

Once inside the Memorial Theatre you will be transported back in time: hat check girls to take your coats, table seating with mince pies and nibbles, mulled wine served at the bar, plus of course cigarette girls selling confectionery at your table. A world of courtesy, elegance and rollicking good fun.

Entertainment will be provided by the cream of Thanet Artists, performing comedy sketches, magic and songs. Eminent local artists performing will include Miss. Lisa Payne, actress and producer of past events for Sarah Thorne, Mr. Steven Todd and Mr. Bill Harris recreating their Jeeves and Wooster roles, magic and prestidigitation provided by Alan Wright with support acts by Gordon Eyles, Leah Lawry-Johns, Andrew Nolan, Charle Evans and pianist Wilmot O’Higgins. Your compere will be the vivacious local authoress Jane Wenham-Jones.

This is something a little different to the traditional pantomime that the whole family from grandparents to grandchildren will enjoy. We are encouraging the audience to dress up in any style from a bygone era and we will be awarding a nightly prize to the best dressed!
We will also be holding a nightly raffle to promote and support a deserving local charity. These will be, on the 28th Thanet Owls, on the 29th Leukaemia Research, on the 30th Thanet Hospice and on the 31st The Animal Sanctuary.

Seating will be limited so advance booking is very advisable; this is one Christmas treat you don’t want to miss!

Performances will be nightly at 6.30pm on December 28th, 29th & 30th, with a special New Years Eve Matinee at 2.30pm Members tickets are £9 adult, £7 children and a family ticket at £28. Non-members tickets are £10 adults, £8 children and a family ticket at £32. Seats are bookable in advance from the theatre Box Office on 0845 2626263. Whilst the 24-hour booking rule applies to non-members of Sarah Thorne, seats can be reserved by telephone or e-mail on info@sarathorne-theatreclub.co.uk. to avoid disappointment.


PHOTOS ATTACHED: JANE WENHAM JONES AND LISA PAYNE (AS CAMILLA'S BRIDESMAID)









EMPTY SHOPS FUNDING

(Thanet District Council Cabinet Agenda 02 Dec)
Thanet Labour Group welcomed this extremely useful and timely grant of £50k from the Labour Government and the thoughtful paper from TDC officers with some constructive ideas on how to use the grant to benefit Thanet retail centres. Cllr Green invited Cabinet Member Roger Latchford to agree.

Unfortunately, Cllr Latchford restricted his remarks to retail problems in Margate, raising fears that TDC's "vision" ends at Margate Town's borders.

Cllr Green expressed concern that this relatively small amount of funds had not yet been enhanced with match funding and was proposed to be spread amongst a number of uses.

Cllr Green supported the consultation with commercial letting agents that emphasised the ‘the state of the area’ is the key feature in persuading inward investment.

Cllr. Green said “The idea of grants for start up shops is good, but there’s not enough money there yet to make a significant difference, it would be about 3 start ups in Ramsgate and 7 in Margate if distributed fairly.

Money for the enhancement of empty shop fronts builds upon the success of “Windows of Opportunity” initiative in Margate which is art on display. However the current proposal appears to rule out artistic or cultural displays, which is curious. I certainly would hate money to be used for vinyl's saying ‘this shop as been cleared up’ – isn’t that the job of the agents and sellers?

I think they could be much braver with it and hand over money to people to put displays of all sorts in or around shops. There are so few community places, no galleries (only commercial ones), few museums, a limited library. Displays could be educational, creative, whatever, things that amuse, inform and interest people and bring the place alive".

Contact Cllr. David Green - 01843 591495

Published by Thanet Labour Group Press Office
44 Northdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 2RW.

Friday 4 December 2009

PLANS IN FOR FORMER HERESON SCHOOL SITE

A new planning application, for the former Hereson School site in Ramsgate, has been received by Thanet District Council.

The outline application sets out plans for 150 houses at the site off Ramsgate Road, following the demolition of the existing school.

Details can be found on the council’s website using UK Planning under reference 09/0734 or can be viewed by visiting Thanet’s Gateway Plus in Cecil Street, Margate from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with extended opening until 8pm on Thursdays. Thanet’s Gateway Plus is also open from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.

The deadline for comments to be received is Friday 4 January 2010.

The application is likely to be considered by the council’s planning committee in January 2010.

CARERS UK DAY – 4th December A DAY TO THINK OF THOSE WHO CARE FOR OTHERS

In Thanet, Sandwich and across our villages we have a higher proportion of carers than in many parts of the country, and so today it is important to pay tribute to those who give so much to others and ask so very little in return.


With over 9,500 carers across our towns and villages in the South Thanet constituency, I for one, am very committed to supporting them. I helped my mother care for my father in his last years and although she took the majority of the strain I personally know what sacrifices the whole family make in looking after someone who is ill.


I know the dedication that people, young and old, commit to support their loved ones and the extraordinary contribution that they make to both their family members and society as a whole.


However many carers do not claim the benefits that they deserve and Carers UK seek to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers’ rights and the support that they may be able to get in order to protect their pensions. It might be the Carer’s Allowance, council tax discount, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit that makes a difference.


Carers UK urged carers to get in touch with its Adviceline (0808 808 7777 or www.carersuk.org) to receive a free booklet. Carers can also pick up booklets in their local Lloyds Pharmacy store.

DEVELOPING VISITOR INFORMATION IN THANET

Proposals to develop visitor information services in Thanet in the future are being put forward by the council.

The plans include a number of pilot schemes that have been running throughout the summer, including the new mobile Visitor Information Centre, a marquee that toured 14 major events in Thanet, with staff on hand to answer questions. Surveys carried out on the success of the mobile VIC showed 100% satisfaction with it.

The current thinking on visitor services is to find ways to widen the range of locations and ways that information can be sought. These include:

Key tourism points providing enhanced information based in businesses and other outlets across Thanet. Staff at these locations will be able to help visitors to the area and will be provided with information and leaflets.
Extended information boards, providing extra information, at locations popular with visitors, such as beaches.
Increased electronic contact by phone and internet that reflects the increasing demand for these services, as opposed to personal visits.
Tourism ambassadors, who would be fully trained, to add to the Thanet Greeters, enabling a wider range of front line staff to provide tourism information. This could include council staff or staff at attractions, shops or restaurants.
The mobile VIC, servicing a wide range of key events in Thanet.
Extended relationships with tourism services across East Kent to widen access to information about Thanet for visitors to the area.
The potential for electronic kiosks, which could provide touch screen information, but this is still being investigated further.

As part of this programme, the provision of traditional Visitor Information Centres would be scaled back, with the likelihood that there would be fewer VIC’s in the area in the future. This is a process that many other areas across the country have completed or are going through, with Canterbury proposing a change of focus for their Visitor Information Centre, as part of their current budget consultation process.

Director of Environmental Services, Mark Seed, said: “People want information in different ways when they intend to visit an area and we have to adapt to that. We need to modernise and change, and that’s why we’re putting these ideas forward. Rather than having staff based in centres that require people to visit them, we want our team and the information they have to be out and about much more. This includes attending the major events across Thanet that attract thousands of visitors each year, as well as having increased information available in businesses and attractions that visitors will be using as part of their stay. It seems sensible to ensure that we’re targeting our resources where the visitors are.”


He added: “Thanet has been in a very fortunate position over the last few years, in terms of its VIC provision. This has been very much against the national trend of reducing these services. However, the pressure is mounting every year on the Council to save money, with the need for us to find savings of £1.8 million next year. That’s a huge amount of money and the situation will not improve in the next few years, especially when you think about the national situation. We do need to find new and more effective ways of doing things and we think the proposals we’re putting forward will help to achieve that for VIC’s in the future.”

The proposals will now go forward as part of this year’s budget consultation proposals, with local people able to give their views on how they think the council could save money in the future.

Conservatives to Reduce the burden of health and safety

Conservatives to Reduce the burden of health and safety
30% of the 100 years of health and safety regulation have been passed by this Labour Government in only 12 years
David Cameron has said that the "all-pervasive rules culture" is one of the most infuriating things about living in Britain.
“...there is a growing sense that too many areas of our life are governed by petty rules, regulations and tick box bureaucracy that flies in the face of common sense, undermines discretion and prevents us from getting on with our lives.
When children are made to wear goggles by their headteacher to play conkers … when trainee hairdressers are not allowed scissors in the classroom… when staff at a railway station don’t help a young mum carry her baby son’s buggy because they are not insured... …when village fetes are cancelled because residents can’t face jumping through all the bureaucratic hoops…
…it is clear that what began as a noble intention to protect people from harm has mutated into a stultifying blanket of bureaucracy, suspicion and fear that has saturated our country...
The health and safety culture actively undermines responsibility.
It treats adults like children, encouraging them to think that others have considered the risks for them, are taking responsibility for them, so they don’t have to think or take responsibility for themselves.
What’s more, the fear of transgressing all these rules causes people to stand aside when others need help.
This was most tragically illustrated in Wigan two years ago, when a ten year old drowned in a pond, having rescued his young sister, because officers were told not to intervene as they hadn’t undertaken their ‘water rescue’ health and safety training.”
He made it clear that the Conservatives will reduce the burden and impact of health and safety legislation - and that it will be done in a responsible and sober way.
In developing that approach he said the Conservatives will do two things:
Establish clear and specific principles about when health and safety legislation is appropriate, and when it is not, so we can evaluate whether existing or future legislation is necessary.
Propose practical changes in the law to both bring an end to the culture of excessive litigation while at the same time giving legal safeguards to those who need them most.
David said “For every piece of health and safety legislation, we need to ask whether it fulfils a useful purpose – and if not, it must go.”
Do contact me if you have any examples of when Health and Safety regulations have stopped you doing something that you know is both safe and sensible? at laura@telllaura.org.uk
Read the full speech here

Ladyman given expenses all clear - press release.

Legg confirms 'no issues' with Stephen Ladyman's expensesStephen Ladyman, the MP for South Thanet, has been given the 'expenses all-clear' by Sir Thomas Legg. In a letter dated November 30th., Sir Thomas writes that his final report on expenses will say:'Dr Ladyman has no issues.'Stephen Ladyman said:"I'm delighted that Sir Thomas has confirmed that my expenses were all above board and nothing needs to be repaid. It has been a worrying time for all MPs because even when you are confident that you did nothing wrong there is always the worry that some unintentional fault could be found. Now Sir Thomas has confirmed everything is OK I can breathe a big sigh of relief."Note to editors:Attached is a copy of Sir Thomas' letter to Stephen LadymanSir Thomas Legg was appointed by Parliament to do a full audit of MPs expense claims in the wake of recent revelations and ensure that any wrongly claimed monies are repaid.

ed click on the link to read the letter http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/blogpicts119/id14.htm